Les Mujouls to Puget-Théniers Mountain Pass Route in the Préalpes d'Azur

The road runs between the small villages of Les Mujouls and Puget-Théniers in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. This area is part of the Maritime Alps, a segment of the larger Alps mountain range, and lies within the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur, a protected regional natural park. The route crosses the Préalpes de Castellane and skirts the Massif du Mercantour-Argentera, both notable mountain ranges in the region. The road also follows alongside two rivers, Le Rioulan and Le Var, for portions of its length. This location offers a blend of mountainous terrain and river valleys, characteristic of southeastern France's alpine environment. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road is approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) long and is surfaced with asphalt of generally good quality, rated at 4.2 out of 5. It is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.9 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. The road is predominantly two lanes wide (about 92%), with a small portion consisting of a single lane (around 2%). Width varies along the route, with most sections being wide (about 66%), some middle width (21%), and a smaller portion narrow (11%).

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 70, 50, 90, and 80 km/h (43, 31, 56, and 50 mph respectively) depending on the section. The elevation ranges from 417 meters (1,368 feet) at the lowest point to 878 meters (2,881 feet) at the highest, crossing the Col Saint-Raphaël mountain pass at 875 meters (2,871 feet). The road passes through inhabited areas for approximately 24% of its length, providing a mix of natural and village environments.

The road passes through the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna as well as its mountainous landscapes. The route runs adjacent to two rivers: Le Rioulan for about 10% of the road length and Le Var for about 8%. Both rivers contribute to the scenic and natural appeal of the area.

Along the road, there are several viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. These viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for riders to pause and appreciate the alpine environment. The road also crosses multiple mountain ranges, including the Préalpes de Castellane and the Maritime Alps, and skirts the Massif du Mercantour-Argentera, a significant massif in the region.

The key mountain pass on this route is the Col Saint-Raphaël, situated at an elevation of 875 meters (2,871 feet). This pass is a notable feature of the ride, offering elevation changes and mountain road characteristics typical of alpine passes. The road's passage through the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur means riders experience protected natural landscapes and must respect park regulations.

More information about the park can be found on the official website of the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur. The park's Wikipedia page provides additional context: Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur.

This article focuses on the road section between Les Mujouls and Puget-Théniers, which can be seen on the map below. The route is suitable for riders looking for a moderately twisty mountain pass experience with good road conditions and natural surroundings. The road's proximity to rivers and viewpoints enhances the riding experience without excessive technical difficulty.

For further details on the mountain ranges crossed, see the Wikipedia pages for the Préalpes de Castellane and the Maritime Alps. The nearby Massif du Mercantour-Argentera is also documented here: Massif du Mercantour-Argentera.